Stars and Stripes

Happy Monday, Everyone! 

If you missed my Friday Favorite’s last week, you can check it out here.  The blog experienced some technical difficulties sometime on Friday.  I’m so sorry about that!  Thanks to those of you who let me know AND a big thanks to my girl, Andrea, for getting it up and running again!

We had a fabulous Fourth of July and I wanted to share all our fun.  ðŸ™‚

We woke up and headed to our downtown square for the Red, White, and Boom parade.  (It was on the walk over to our parade spot I kept replaying that song in my head, “May we all get to grow up in a red, white, and blue little town…”.  My kiddos are totally living that life.  

Happy Independence Day!

Little Miss Firecracker (Britt) just wasn’t feeling the pictures like I was hoping.  I need to video Madeley and Britt sometime.  Madeley is thirteen months older, but at the moment I have no doubt she’d try to hoist Britt over her shoulder to get her to sleep or to carry her from point A to point B.  Trust me, we’re not letting Madeley really pick her up, but is it crazy I think that two-year-old could handle it?  She has this air of confidence about her.  Sometimes she looks at us like, “just give her to me” and for some strange reason sometimes I believe her.  hahaha!

Maybe it was all the stars?  Maybe it was the heat?  Maybe it was that her mama was putting her down to take her picture? {I’d put all my money on this theory.}  Whatever it was…Britt wasn’t having it.



Sorry about the picture overload, but see….kind of looks like Madeley got it under control.  Right?


I’m clearly new to the adoption game, but I feel like Britt is doing great.  I have an update post coming soon so I won’t give too much away…but I feel like she’s super attached to me.  This girl knows her mama which is such an answered prayer.

This picture melts me into a big puddle on the floor.  These three girls were all in orphanages less than a year ago and today they’re all home with their forever families.


Our parade watching crew 🙂


So much fun spending my morning with these ladies.

Sisters


There’s absolutely NO telling what Bowen was saying to Ashby.


These three girls were doing their best to make Miss Firecracker happy.


Meanwhile this little thing was ALL smiles!


Taking it all in.



What a crew!



The parade never disappoints and I feel like our group of friends watching grows every year.  {Which is just plain awesome!}  

We spent the rest of our day swimming, cooking out, and watching fireworks.  We had so much fun I never took another picture!  I hope your day was extra special too.

And a big thank you to my friend, Brooke, who took most of the parade pictures.

Don’t forget this Wednesday is Workin’ It Wednesday.  Shay and I are sharing how we WORK IT on the weekend.  If you forgot to document your weekend, just share what a typical weekend looks like.  Hope to see you back here on Wednesday!

Leave a Comment

21 Comments

  1. 7.10.17
    Mix and Match Mama said:

    I was laughing out loud at you describing Madeley taking care of Britt. She does just look at us like "Please just get out of the way and let me handle Britt.". Ha! Fourth of July is one of my VERY favorite days of the year!!! I loved all of these pictures so much!!

  2. 7.10.17
    Wendy said:

    I can't remember if I've ever commented on your blog, but I love following along. What a blessing you are to Britt and she is to your family. I love how God works to bring us together.

    Also, some of Shay's recent posts have commented on how Ashby is more self conscious about her arm, but I honestly couldn't figure out for a moment who was in the picture with Bowen until I finally read the caption (although I probably should've since they're glued at the hip 🙂 I'm saying that just to say Ashby's arm wasn't the first thing I noticed, and I didn't notice it at all until I saw her name. That may not mean much coming from some unknown person that you'll never meet, but I hope it helps some to know that not everyone sees her arm first instead of her. Sorry to comment so much about Ashby on your blog, but I just felt the need to say that since her picture was posted here.
    Thank you for sharing with us!

  3. 7.10.17
    R's Rue said:
  4. 7.10.17
    Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said:

    The "just give her to me" look had me laughing out loud!!!! SO FUNNY! Great pictures!

  5. 7.10.17
    Karen Ward said:

    Madeley and Britt!! Oh my word…Madeley is like "hang with me kid, I'll show you the ropes." So precious!

  6. 7.10.17
    Narci said:

    Such sweet pictures! I love the ones of Madeley and Britt! Also, the oneof Ebby Lee and Britt: so cute!!!

  7. 7.10.17
    Paula said:

    Such sweetness. God orchestrated such a beautiful "framily" for these kids & Mommas. What a praise worthy blessing.

  8. 7.10.17
    Laura @ Laura Likes Design said:

    This makes me want to move to McKinney! You guys live in the best town, ever!

  9. 7.10.17
    Amanda @ That Inspired Chick said:

    Madeley is a total boss babe and I think she'll run the world someday! They are so sweet together and I can't wait to watch their sweet friendship grow! Love all these pictures!!

    That Inspired Chick

  10. 7.10.17
    Kara said:

    I have a question if you have time to answer. 🙂 who is the girl on the "George Fuller for Mayor" car that appears to be "rockin out" like a rock start? I saw it in both your and Shay's post….just wondering if she is a local celebrity or someone famous. Thanks for you time.

  11. 7.10.17
    dresselfamily.blogspot.com said:

    Oh Britt & madeley. . Too cute!!!!!

  12. 7.10.17
    Angela Ellingson said:

    This parade looks like so much fun! Love all the pictures of those precious kiddos!

  13. 7.10.17
    Frances said:

    Erika, where did you get your cute gold sandals?

  14. 7.10.17
    Whitney Pegram said:

    Madeley & Britt are just too cute!! Happy Monday!!

  15. 7.10.17
    Unknown said:

    Yes. Where?? 🙂

  16. 7.11.17
    My Glittery Heart said:

    Britt is JUST precious!

  17. 7.11.17
    Britt Hensley said:

    I just think she is just too cute! I love seeing your framily growing through adoption! It's beautiful.

  18. 7.11.17
    Simple Purposeful Living said:

    What a sweet way to celebrate the 4th of July and so glad you got the blog working, that stuff is so stressful and I have no clue how to fix it most of the time! xoxo ERIN

  19. 7.11.17
    Ashley said:

    Madeley and Britt are TOO cute! These posts make my day 🙂

  20. 7.11.17
    giginpink said:

    Oh my gosh, those pictures of Britt with Madely are just too sweet for words!!! And then the 3 girls together is just icing! How could anyone not believe in God when they see that picture? Thanks for sharing them, Erica!

  21. 7.11.17
    Unknown said:

    Love reading your blog! I am obsessing over the sandals you had on during the 4th of July parade, do you remember where you go these?!?!? LOVE!!!!